Sunday, 30 July 2006

Sly MovesSylvester StalloneHarper Collins - Browse InsideISBN 0060737875This is a great book for someone wanting to lose weight, a Rocky enthusiast, or just someone who wants to change up his or her workout routines. Rumours about his book appeared about 18 months before its release, when Stallone launched his supplement company Instone Nutrition. I know that I for one was waiting with anticipation. It has a nice easy reading style and is full of personal stories and photos. It is part a chronicle of Stallone’s career, and part fitness book. The four sections are:

Part 1 Sly on Sly

Part 2 Shaping Up With Sly Moves

Part 3 The Sly Moves Eating Plan

Part 4 Sly Moves in Action

One of the greatest strengths of this book is that it recognizes that fitness for men and for women is different. It has recommended exercises for men and others for women. It also realizes that to make change, it will take real work and effort. Stallone states: “Locked inside each of us is the person we want to be. Others might not recognize it yet, but I'm telling you, it's in there. The passion shouldn't die before we do. Even against ridiculous odds, what propels you forward and separates you from the rest? P.R.I.D.E., which stands for perseverance, responsibility, integrity, determination, and excitement. If you have these five elements in your life, you can accomplish almost anything.” p. 201. With effort and time, results will be visible. Like Bill Phillips in his book Body For Life says: "It's Very Important to understand the difference between dreams and goals. Dreams are things we wish for--things you enjoy thinking about but don't really know when they'll happen. Goals, on the other hand, are specific things you have decided you need to accomplish within a clearly defined period of time." Stallone’s techniques will help you to make your dreams become goals and the goals to become reality.Stallone has tips for life. First written for his daughter, he shares them with us in the 4th section of the book. They are: “Sly's Top Ten Tips for Life10. Believe it! Truly, it can be done and it will. 9. Every day - every few hours - see your vision materializing. 8. Don't discuss your dreams. Pursue them! 7. If other people can steal your ideal, most likely they will. (Reviewer’s note: not so fond of this one) 6. Don't be afraid of embarrassment while pursuing your goal. It's all part of being committed. 5. Being naive is business and understanding human nature is a recipe for disaster. 4. Study people's success stories hard. Study their failures even harder. 3. Enthusiasm is like a wonderful disease - keep spreading it until everyone's infected. 2. Only choose a goal that - if you had to - you'd gladly pursue for free. In order to achieve success, you've got to follow your passion.

Most Important: If it's not broken, break it.

That's how new discoveries are made. That's why everything that changes life is called a breakthrough.” p.186. This book will help you have breakthroughs in your life. Those breakthroughs will be through a process of progressive changes in your life and lifestyle. Robert Wolff, former editor of Muscle & Fitness, stated in his book: “The one thing you can be absolutely sure of in your life is change. It’s the only thing that never changes. The law of nature is that you either grow or you die; there’s no in-between. So, what have you chosen so far?” To many extents this book is a manual on how to make change. First in the area of physical fitness and then to apply the discipline learned there to other areas of your life. It is definitely worth the time and effort!(First Published in Imprint 2006-07-28 as ‘Love It’ in the ‘Love It / Hate It’ book review column.)Other Fitness Articles:Fall 2011 ProgramsWorkout program March 2012My Gear February 2012Fitness My Retrospective

Monday, 24 July 2006

We have found a number of books helpful during the pregnancy. I want to outline what I consider the strengths and weaknesses of the three that we have used most through this stage. Each of these books was beneficial for different reasons and hopefully these reviews will be helpful to you.

As a first-time father this book was very helpful. It did not go into nearly the details that some of the other books did. It was very specific about what a man can do to help his wife through the process. It also looks at some longer-term items, like saving for school, planning for the first few weeks after the birth and even packing a travel bag for you to take to the hospital. It is nice light reading in an easy-to-read format and style. This book will definitely be a benefit to you and your partner. The 5 sections are: the three trimesters, labor & delivery, and at home with the baby. These authors also wrote a number of supporting or complimentary books:

The greatest strength of this book is the week-by-week format. It outlines specific changes that are pretty close to exactly as predicted. We noticed many of the things and then read them that week: ie phlegmyness, inability to travel more than an hour, and dryness at night just to name a few. This book is very well balanced and it tends to focus more on the positives of pregnancy and not the possible complications. This is the 5th Edition of this book with millions of copies sold. Overall it is a great help. I definitely recommend it to all expectant couples. These authors also wrote a number of supporting or complimentary books:

Bouncing Back From Your Pregnancy

Your Pregnancy Journal Week by Week

Your Pregnancy for the Father to Be

Your Pregnancy After 35

Your Pregnancy Questions and Answers

Your Pregnancy Every Woman’s Guide

Your Baby’s First Year Week by Week

What to Expect When You’re ExpectingHeidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg & Sandee HathawayWorkman PublishingISBN 0761121323The drawback for this book is it clearly explains almost every possible complication. With the monthly format it is a lot to read at a time. The list of complications and possible symptoms each month can be very daunting. Yet with all of that, the book is also a great resource. It gives you many things to consider that you may never have thought of. It is much more comprehensive than many other pregnancy books. It has some nice charts in the back to help you keep track of weight, size and other notes for the Doctors or Midwives. It also has a section for coping with pregnancy loss and also preparing for the next child. It is a good resource for any couple expecting a child. With over 12 Million copies sold, this book, now in its 3rd edition, has been trusted by many people. The authors have also written:

Saturday, 22 July 2006

This is a great little prayer book that has been in print continuously since it’s release in 1975. It is small and compact, easily carried around in your pocket or knapsack. It is an awesome collection of 33 Prayers. Gleaned from the Church’s history and fast treasury of prayers. Unlike Socia’s Handbook Of Prayers this book focus mush more on personal prayers, and less on corporate prayers, though it does contain Some of the standard one’s.

The first half of the book is side-by-side English and Latin Versions of prayers and the second half is more for personal devotion. In between the two sections is a great Prayer for use before the Blessed Sacrament, which is seldom found in other collections.

Section IIIAct of FaithAct of HopeAct of LoveApostle’s CreedAct of ContritionVeni, Sancte SpiritusVeni, CreatorSpiritual CommunionPersonal MeditationWay of the CrossThe MemorareMysteries of the RosaryLitany of the Blessed Virgin To St. JosephSorrows and Joys of St. JosephTo the Guardian AngelWith all of that there is so much Spiritual punch in such a little book. Well worth picking up to add variety to your times of prayer and devotion.

Wednesday, 19 July 2006

Book two is just as good as Book I in this series. Also as I mentioned in my reviews of Book I there is also now available a combined book I & II as well as a newer Book III.

Nance Starts off with his reason for writing this second volume “I feel such an urgency about each member of the Body of Christ finding his place and remaining faithful, so we can be productive in God’s Kingdom.” p.11. This is the main premise of this second book, that each Christian has a role and responsibility to serve the body based upon gifts and calling. Each of us as Christians, if we have been called also have a job to do, Nance States: “God has a purpose in life for you to fulfill. You are not here by accident. You have a destiny in God to fulfill. You must find out your purpose by seeking God.” p.21 Yet the journey to the God given goals and dreams in our lives will not be easy.

Nance tell us that “If you do not exercise faith in life to reach a goal or vision, you will never achieve it. You are going to have to get up and work toward your goal.” p.27 Growing in the spiritual life is work and much like getting the body into shape, the spiritual life requires a workout plan, moderation of intake (books, TV, Movies…) and discipline. If we are faithful and diligent in the small things God may call us to greater things or reveal more gifts in us. “You also have talents in your life that will come forward as you trust God’s grace n the small things. We are what we are by His Grace. If you always obey His Original Instructions, you will see things begin to work.” p. 32 and “God wants to develop His character in you before He Exalts your ministry.” p. 33. God cares about who we are on the inside far far more than what we present to others on the outside. Our whole live in Christ comes down to Character and obedience. Without those two it is all for naught. Nance later States: “I believe God is challenging us to take steps of faith that we have never taken before. God wants to move us out of our comfort zones.” p.34 The Christian life will not often be the easy path or the past of least resistance, and much more so for those who try to serve Christ as a leader. To become a leader your must serve your leaders faithfully and with a pure heart.

If we look at the parable of the sower, we as Christians are not all one type of seed. “God determined the type of seed you are and where you were to be planted.” p.19 Therefore like Nance stated in the subtitle of this book we should ‘Bloom Where You Are Planted’ We each have specific fruits we are to bring to the Body and serve the body by using our fruits well for the Glory of God!

Also Available in this series:

God’s Armor Bearer:How to Serve God’s LeadersTerry NanceHarrison HouseISBN 0892747234God’s Armor Bearer Book I & II Combine EditionTerry NanceDestiny Image PublishersISBN: 0971919321God’s Armor Bearer Book IIIRunning With Your Pastor’s VisionTerry NanceDestiny Image PublishersISBN: 076842299XBooks I & II have also been translated into 4 different languages all available at Amazon.com. Terry Nance also has a great website http://www.godsarmorbearer.com/ that is worth checking out.

Monday, 17 July 2006

I thought it was about time that I updated my original post about Opus Dei. It is funny the curves that life throw’s at you some time’s, even when your least expecting it. When I started my research into Opus Dei it was just an academic endeavor. Yes I had known a couple at Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario who were involved (10kids.com is their website). I had a great deal of respect for them, and their life of witness but I had no idea how enriching my studies could be to my spiritual life and what an adventure it would become.Back in February I went on a retreat at an Opus Dei retreat center Cedar Crest Retreats and I must say it was life changing. I did not know before going that it would be a ‘Silent Retreat’ but that was the best thing for me. Instead of spending all my spare time gabbing with the other men about our families, work, school, life, and such. I ended up taking the silence as time for study and reflection. There were 12 Meditations given by a priest, and each day we had mass, an examination of conscious, prayed the rosary and the stations of the cross. At Lunch and Dinner we did Lectio Divina (Spiritual Reading) we each took turns reading during the meal, a page or so and then the person next to us would tap us and we would pass them the book and show them where we were. We read Uncommon Faith by John F. Coverdale it is a biography of Josemaria Escriva and a history of the early years of Opus Dei. It is also the first English written book on these subjects as opposed to all the others that are European and in English are translation.

Since the retreat I have read the complete works of Josemaria Escriva and even read The Way, Furrow and The Forge 3 times each. All I can say is these writings and the monthly Recollections here in Kitchener have done more to further my spiritual growth and to challenge me than almost anything else in the last 10 years. The only thing that comes close was when I did a Cursillo a number of years ago through the Presbyterian Church.

"The seriousness with which Opus Dei takes the spiritual life is refreshing in this day and age. Their 3 fold sanctification: "Sanctify work. Sanctify oneself through work. Sanctify others through work. If we are to transform society there is a need for people who are holy." Francis Fernandez In Conversation With God Vol #2 p.63

This can also be ‘Sanctification of Family. Sanctification of oneself through family. Sanctification of others through family.’ Then you can substitute friends … A few weeks ago Andrea and I were invited to visit with the Helmer’s Here in town, they have 11 kids and 9 of them are still in the family home. When we left was wife shared how amazed she was, these kids were great, they came and sat with us, talked, shared and drew pictures for my wife. We had a great evening. Andrea could not believe how well behaved and social these children were in this day in our society. That family exemplified the point above.

While at the retreat and since I have been trying to read books that were recommended. The authors recommended included:

Also since Andrea and I are expecting our first child I have been reading a lot of James B. Stenson who writes a lot on parenting and specifically on Fatherhood.I have been reviewing them as I finished them here are some links to those reviews. I will also expand this list as I post more reviews from these authors, and book by and about Opus Dei.(For more reviews of Opus Dei books or books by Opus Dei Authors and authors they encourage a person to read. 0… 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8... 9... 10... 11... 12... 13... 14... 15... 16...these reviews include the works of Josemaria Escriva, The Pope's, Peter Kreeft, Scott Hahn and many others.)Locally in Kitchener Waterloo The Men’s Evenings of Recollection are at St. Anne Church 268 East Avenue Kitchener, ON N2H 1Z4 they are organized by John Helmers cellohelmers@yahoo.com. Monday after the 2nd Sunday of each Month Except October 7:30pm-9:45pm.If you are not in KW email info@opusdei.ca and then you can be put into contact with someone closer to you. That is how I met John and made my first retreat.

Saturday, 15 July 2006

Have you ever wondered about those little numbers on the back of all books? These numbers started appearing on books in the UK in 1966. Which was later adopted as an international standard for identifying books in 1970. Therefore the International Standard Book Number, or ISBN (sometimes pronounced "is-ben) and as of Junrary 1st 2007 they will be changing from 10 digit codes to 13 digit codes.

What do the actual numbers mean below is a chart given to us by UW Retail Services to explain the numbers both under the ISBN 10 and ISBN 13 Systems:ISBN 100-7735-0719-1-The 0 identifies the country or region the book is being published in.-The 7735 is the publisher identifier within the country.-The 0719 is the edition of the publication.-The 1 is a calculated check digit that is created by using the first 9numbers.ISBN 13 (The above number will become)978-0-7735-0719-7-The 978 identify this product as a book.-The 0 identifies the country or region the book is being published in.-The 7735 is the publisher identifier within the country.-The 0719 is the edition of the publication.-The 7 is a calculated check digit that is created by using the first 9numbers.The book industry has been gearing up for this for some years now. Yet like any major change there is some hesitation and concern for a smooth transition. For example Random House of Canada has had ISBN 10 & 13 numbers on all newly published books since January 2006, even though the go-live date is January 1st 2007. All older titles as they are reprinted will only have ISBN 13 numbers, and current stock will be stickered with new 13’s. Also some publishers will make the barcode number and the ISBN 13 number the same, Random House has done this to make for ease of scanning and inputting books into computer systems.That begs the question about what does this mean to student, will if affect them and should they care. It has had many implications on campus already, and will do so well into the near future. May Yan the Director or Retail Services was kind enough to answer some questions she believes that at the BookStore the transition will be fairly painless for students as they have done all that can be done to be prepared. She stated “We have volunteered to be ISBN 13 beta site testers. This will allow us to identify any potential issues before they get to our POS registers.” With being a test site they are working out all of the kinks and believe they will be prepared come January 1st. For the used bookstore run by FEDS it will be a different story John Jongerius (JJ), spoke with Imprint recently and share about the process on their end of the book business. JJ stated that they had just upgraded their purchasing and tracking software a year ago. And now with this change they will have to completely change their system again. Now for used books there is a little more leanway as far as timeline for implementing a new system. The software that they are purchasing will have many new features to benefit students. First JJ says “It will support electronic funds transfers, once it is set up and running, when you drop off your books you fill out a banking form and the money for the sale of your books will be automatically deposited into your bank account. “ This feature they hope to have in place in the near future. Also from the used end, the company that they sell used books to that UW has discontinued is giving them until June 2007 to have the changeover in place. JJ also stated that last year the Used Book Store did over $2 Million in textbooks. This new software will benefit 4th year students most, for they have the highest percentage of unclaimed monies owed each year. Yes this will make it harder to track down used an out of print books, especially if new editions or reprints end up with different ISBN’s. But over all it looks like the book stores here on campus are prepared and looking ahead to make life easier for students and staff.(First Published in Imprint 2006-07-14 as ‘Changes are coming to books near you.)

If you read it on the feedburner feed dont worry I will change that as soon as it is moved. Thanks for reading and please continue to do so. Also thanks for all of you who went and voted on my reviews on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca I am ranked in the top 1000 and top 10 respectively. Also the sister blog of just the Catholic and Christian reviews will now be available directly at:

Thursday, 13 July 2006

Through Painted DesertsAKA Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen MaintenanceDonald MillerNelson BooksISBN 0785209824

Some books that failed the first time should stay OOP (Out Of Print), and this is definitely one of them. It should have stayed way on the shelves collecting dust.

Back in 2003 Donald Miller published a book called Blue Like Jazz and that book went gangbusters - constantly selling out at bookstores and going through a few printings. It appeared, at the time, that every time you turned around someone was recommending the book. It was a collection of penses, thoughts, and meandering recollections of a man who grew up to doubt religion but could not give up on faith. It was marketed as ‘Nonreligious thoughts on Christian Spirituality’. It was so popular it was even turned into a one-man stage show in Toronto, (http://www.jasonhildebrand.com/trailer.htm) and has toured the country.

Then some genius at the publishing company decided to resurrect his first book that had failed. That person is responsible for the unwarranted destruction of thousands and thousands of trees.This book is a classic road trip journey, in the vein of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig. Yet unlike that classic book, this one does not live up to all the hype. This book is a shameless money grab by the publisher and the author. This greediness is seen time and time again once an author has a successful endeavor. Everything they have written, or will write, is considered gold. That was not the case with this book. Not only is the publishing of this book shameless marketing and abuse of success, it also has a shameful plug for a band that the author listened to while ‘rewriting’ the book. Miller states: ‘Robbie’s CD Better Days is to me the soundtrack for the revised edition of this book. I am pleased to introduce it to you.’

Miller’s prose is weak, and his reflections are pedantic. He states: “We are one day out, and home seems an ocean away. My watch ticks inside my boot. I don’t need it. I’m not late for anything. There is no disgruntled friend waiting for me at a coffee shop or office.’ Are we are all suppose to be enthralled with the story of two guys traveling from Texas to Oregon? It was a chore to get through the book and I would not even recommend it for fans of Miller’s writings. Another example is “But because we were born as babies and had to be taught to speak and to pee in a toilet, we think all of this is normal. Well, it isn’t normal. Nothing is normal. It is all rather odd, isn’t it, our eyes in our heads, our hands with five fingers, the capacity to understand beauty, to feel love, to feel pain.” Ok so what do we do with Miller’s thoughts? In my opinion, not much!It was just pretentious to republish this book and milk the readers of Blue Like Jazz for money better spent elsewhere.(First Published in Imprint 2006-06-16 as 'Hate It' Love It hate It Book Review Column.)

Tuesday, 11 July 2006

This is a great little book! It will help all Christians to see their role to support their leaders. It is written by an associate pastor who discovered these truths about his role in regards to his head pastor. Yet anyone who serves in a church can learn from these short lessons. Weather you’re a small group leader, a eucharistic minister, worship leader - if you serve the body of Christ in any kind of role, this book will help you serve better.

Often people take one role in serving the church and see it as a stepping tone to advancement to a ‘higher’ or ‘better’ role. That is not he case. We are to serve our leaders and serve them well. ‘We have got to start seeing our position as one called and instituted by God. We must be willing to stay in it for the rest of our lives, if that is what God wants.’ p.46Through serving the leaders in the church we are fulfilling part of our vocational call and helping to build up the whole body of Christ.

Nance has some great insights that he shares with us: “We can see that the most important part of the Armorbearing is a ministry of prayer, watchfulness, and intercession. The Armorbearer is to prove his sincerity, loyalty, and courage in the spirit realm through prayer and intercession.” p.52 and he emphatically states: “Every child of God, from leaders on down, needs to develop the character of an armorbearer. I believe that, right now in the Body of Christ, we need teaching on the development of the character of Christ. We have learned a lot about faith, prosperity and intercession, but I feel we have got to place more emphasis on character development.” p.61 Nothing could be closer to the truth. Much of Josemaria Escriva’s writings on the Christian life have that same emphasis. His books, The Way, Furrow and The Forge, each have sections dedicated to character.

The role of the Armorbearer is also for the whole body, “We are God’s armorbearers. We are to carry the shield for one another, joining our faith together. If we will do that, we will truly become God’s Great Army. We will go forth to conquer in the power of the Holy Spirit.” p.63 But being an armorbearer also takes perseverance, and fortitude. We are told: “Discover what your course is, and then stay with it and never give up until you have reached your God-ordained destination and goal.” p.74.

Finally I would like to leave you with two more quotes from the book. First: “It is time for us to re-evaluate our lives, and our ministries, to make sure that we are where we need to be and doing what we need to be doing.” p.79 And second: “The spirit of the armorbearer is the Spirit of Christ. This is the day we see that God’s children should take up the shields of others and be willing to carry them forth into battle.” p.79.

This book will definitely challenge your faith and how you live it out.

Also Available in this series:

God’s Armor Bearer Book II: Bloom Where Your PlantedTerry NanceHarrison House ISBN: 0892747331God’s Armor Bearer Book I & II Combine EditionTerry NanceDestiny Image PublishersISBN: 0971919321God’s Armor Bearer Book IIIRunning With Your Pastor’s VisionTerry NanceDestiny Image PublishersISBN: 076842299XBooks I & II have also been translated into 4 different languages all available at Amazon.com. Terry Nance also has a great website http://www.godsarmorbearer.com/ that is worth checking out.

Monday, 10 July 2006

This little booklet is packed full of useful information. It is a treasure trove of gems for all fathers to become better at parenting, to learn the importance of their role in the home and in the formation of their children’s lives. Stenson, a successful educator and speaker around the world on this topic, gives readers of this volume a number of guides, suggestions and hints on how to be the type of parent and, specifically, the Father you want to be. Stenson is the author of 9 books on parenting and two of them specifically address the roles and responsibilities of fathers.Stenson also has a website http://www.parentleadership.com/ that has a number of articles you can download to supplement his book and your quest to be the father you really want to be.Stenson states in the introduction: “Though dozens of books devoted themselves to the mother-child relationship in children’s upbringing, hardly any emphasized the role of the father.” p.5 Then: “Increasingly, therefore, specialists have been studying the subtle but powerful ways by which fathers form their children’s character, often unwittingly.” p. 6 Stenson gives sound advice and will help you to grow to become the man you want to be for your children.Here is a list of great Quotes from the book to give you a sampling of its wisdom:

The greatest challenge a man can face, by far, is that of raising his children well. Without exaggeration, it can be said that his success or failure at this constitutes his success or failure in life.

In my experience, many fathers today are unaware that there is a problem – that, without intending it at all, they are failing to exercise the moral leadership that their families need.

Whether we call them virtues or simply strengths of character, they comprise the essence of what we admire most in people – strong character.

In homes where each parent respects the other’s authority, the children grow to respect the authority of each parent proportionally.

Both parents, mother and father, have given their children lifelong strengths of character and conscience, and thus their job is done. This is, after all, what family life – throughout history and around the world – really is about.

Everyone in the family understood that the children’s cooperation – that is, their obedience to their parent’s direction – was essential, demanded, and expected.

Parents did not think overmuch about the children’s eventual careers. Rather, they thought in terms of their children’s future character.

The home was a place of social and intellectual activity; people talked, read, played, worked, and prayed together. Limited financial resources meant that family members budgeted carefully, waited, earned, improvised, or learned to do without.

Consequently, successful fathers are not afraid of being unpopular. Their love for their children and their commitment to the children’s long-term best interests – these are strong enough to override the kids’ bruised feelings and their occasional reluctance to do the right.

These nine quotes give you a sampling. Pick up the book you will become a better father, even if you are already a good father there will be new things you can learn.

Sunday, 9 July 2006

Walking With God:The Exercise of the Presence of GodKilian J. HealySinag-TalaISBN 9715540244

From the back of the book we are told: “We often hear and read about the Christian Way of Life. For some people this is a vague and intangible expression. In reality, it means precisely a life of common interest with God, a life in which this love of God dominates all our thoughts, words and actions. The Greater the love, the more Christian the life. Whatever we eat, drink, say, write or do, it should come from our soul living in conscious union and silent conversation with God. It is this union with God that colors our whole life and makes it Christian.”

Kilian, who has taught theology and philosophy, and is a voting member of the Second Vatican Council, and a Carmelite priest, brings his vast experience to bear on this topic of conversing with God. Much like Brother Lawrence’s The Practice of the Presence of God, it will help one learn how to experience God in all the details of life.

The Chapters are:

Servants or Friends of God?

Friendship With God

The Exercise of the Presence f God

The First Way: Searching for God Through Creatures

The Second Way: Listening to God

The Third Way: Living With Christ

The Fourth Way: Offering Ourselves With Christ

The Fifth Way: Finding God Within Us

Prayer of Aspirations

Conclusion

Then it has a collection of Aspiration prayers that have been used down through the ages.This book is about going deeper than the Jesus Prayer. It is about deep intimacy and communion with God. It is a guide in how to grow in your friendship with God. At less than 90 pages, it is a treasure that will lead you to a deeper life with God.

(Note this book has been slightly expanded and republished as Awakening Your Soul to the Presence of God by Sophia Press.)

Thursday, 6 July 2006

God Rides a YamahaKathy ShaidleNorthstoneISBN 1896836240Kathie Shaidle is a Canadian treasure. This book will grab your heart while you travel with her in her illness. In this collection is a series of columns that were written after she was diagnosed with lupus. “’Quitting your day job’ is every artist’s dream. Mine came true in 1991, when some government arts grants let me write full time. Six weeks later, I contracted systemic lupus erthematosus, an incurable, life-threatening disease.” p.7 Now she cannot even live her dream job.At 26 she had reached her dream. She was writing full time, and looking forward to it. Then her life crashes around her feet. The pain was to the point that she could not even write. In these 26 chapters you will journey through pain, despair, hope, faith and doubt. Shaidle has opened her illness, her life and her faith to us with a tremendous vulnerability. She states: “I can’t help but think about the bad TV my life would make. I’m not a likeable, disease-movie-of-the-week heroine, pretty in a plain sort of way, running marathons or whatever in spite of my incurable illness.” p.23 With such chapters as ‘I’ve fallen and I can’t get up’ and ‘Confessions of a bearded lady’, the book will also uplift, encourage and make you smile and laugh.But to find out why God rides a Yamaha you will have to read the book.Books by Kathy Shaidle:gas station of the cross (1990)Round Up The Usual Suspects: More poems about famous dead people (1992)Lobotomy Magnificat (1997)God Rides a Yamaha (1998)A Seeker's Dozen: The 12 Steps for Everyone Else (2004)A Catholic Alphabet: The Faith from A to Z (2005)Acoustic Ladyland: Kathy Shaidle Unplugged (2007)The Tyranny of Nice (2009 with Pete Vere)Confessions of A Failed Slut (2014)

Tuesday, 4 July 2006

Living The Good Life: Your Guide to Health and SuccessDavid Patchell-EvansECW PressISBN: 1550226177David is a five-time Canadian rowing champion and the president, founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness Clubs, the largest and fastest- growing Canadian chain. With nearly 125 locations nationwide, he has created an empire.Patchell-Evans was drawn into this industry by accident, his first year at the University of Western Ontario. A few weeks after starting university, he was in a motorcycle accident. He ended up doing physiotherapy and rehab. During his time at UWO, he switched his focus of studies from business to Physical Education. In his early thirties, David had a setback to his physical health. He had severe rheumatoid arthritis. His struggles with this illness helped him appreciate health and a healthy lifestyle even more so.This book is composed of 4 key sections, or parts. They are: Patchell-Evans’ personal story, the basics of fitness, balanced health, and the balance between body, mind and spirit. Robert Wolff in his book Bodybuilding 101 “There is nothing so constant as change. Meet it. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Learn from it. The one thing you can be absolutely sure of in your life is change. It’s the only thing that never changes. The law of nature is that you either grow or you die; there’s no in-between. So, what have you chosen so far? Are you growing in every area of your life? Hey, it’s not enough to be growing and looking great just because you work out. That’s only a small part of your life. What about your emotions, spiritual life, family, friends, career, hobbies? Are they growing as your body does? Become a complete person and not an in-shape and great-looking version of an incomplete person. There’s way more to life than just working out. Go with the flow and embrace changes in all areas of your life. The change will do you good.” This book encapsulates that spirit completely. The Chapters are:

Sunday, 2 July 2006

Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical StrengthBill PhillipsHarper Collins - Browse InsideISBN: 060193395This book and program are both great. I used it back a few years ago and went from a 42-inch waist to 34 in 13 weeks; from 29% body fat to 13%. It is not easy and requires much discipline. But this book gives you the tools you need to make it happen. It also requires a lifestyle change for you. If you drift off from the program, it is easy to slide backwards from the progress you have made.This book will help you change your mindset. You will examine patterns, give yourself rewards, and see the changes take place. Phillips states: "It's Very Important to understand the difference between dreams and goals. Dreams are things we wish for--things you enjoy thinking about but don't really know when they'll happen. Goals, on the other hand, are specific things you have decided you need to accomplish within a clearly defined period of time." p.27 This book will help you make that leap from dreams to goals and from goals to results. One of the greatest strengths of the book is the section that outlines the exercises for each body part. Not only do they include pictures of the different exercises and movements, they also have a tip box of the most common errors, and how to avoid them. The book is also peppered with testimonies of people who have done the program with their before and after pictures. Phillips states: “Your body is the epicenter of your universe. You go nowhere without it. It is truly the temple of your mind and your soul” p.2 This program will help you find a level of health that you may have given up on. One of the former champions of the challenge says: “Beyond information, I was being taught a frame of mind, which inspired me more than all the preachers, teachers, doctors, and counselors who had tried to get through to me before.” p.9 (in reflection on this program and his recovery from a bullet wound from his youth.)This book will help you change the patterns in your life. “Remember that everything you do in the real world is merely an external manifestation of what has already happened in your mind.” p. 29 This book has a balanced approach- you balance exercise with nutrition, you balance carbs with protein in each meal, and you balance cardio with strength training. Page 83 has an Eating-for-Life Authorized food guide. It lists the Proteins, Carbohydrates and Vegetables that are recommended and lists them in the order if quality for this program.There is a world of difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it. This book will definitely give you the knowledge, and challenge you to put it into practice. “Remember that everything you do in the real world is merely an external manifestation of what has already happened in your mind.” p.29Other Fitness Articles:Fall 2011 ProgramsWorkout program March 2012My Gear February 2012Fitness My Retrospective